IAEA Inspectors to leave North Korea

Vienna

2002/27

IAEA inspectors in Nyongbyon, DPRK, are making arrangements to leave the country. This is in response to DPRK officials confirming directly to the inspectors that they should leave the country immediately and that the DPRK has decided not to respond to the IAEA Director General's letter urging them to allow inspectors to remain at the Nyongbyon nuclear site.

The inspectors are scheduled to depart the DPRK on 31 December.

"This is a country in defiance of its international obligations," Dr. ElBaradei said, "It sets a dangerous precedent for the integrity of the non-proliferation regime."